“So, is it done?” I asked nervously, fidgeting with my cuffs. It felt strange not wearing cuff links, but I didn’t want to advertise my wealth in such an establishment as this.

He sat across from me, the width of the table being shorter than I’d like, given his profession. Before answering, he took a shot of a dark liquid that made my honey mead seem to glow, in comparison. I sipped my mug, nervous energy exuding from my pores.

“Would I show my face if it weren’t done?” He said in a thick northern accent, while reaching into his jacket pocket.

My heart raced for a moment, worried what he might be reaching for, but relaxed a bit when it was just our contract.

“As it says,” he continued, “30 before, 70 after. Pay up.”

I swallowed nervously, not sure how to proceed onto the next subject I had planned.

“You’re correct, that’s what this contract says,” I motioned towards the paper on the table, trying to keep my hand from shaking, “But what if I told you about a much larger bounty?”

Glaring at me, I could see the disdain in his eyes. Almost as if he was calculating all the numerous ways he could fuel fill me being his next target.

“Perhaps I should tell you the fate of the last person who broke our contract?” Stretching nonchalantly, I noticed his jacket moving with his arms to reveal more than just papers, like the last thing he took from it.

“Alright, alright,” I said much too quickly to sound graceful. “I should have led with this instead.” Now it was my turn to reach into my jacket to retrieve a pouch of gold coins. Gently, I set them on the table, so as to not attract the attention of the other patrons of this establishment.

“This is the rest of the payment I owe you,” I started, “now you’re welcome to take that and be on your way.” The scraping noise from sliding it across the table to him was louder than I would’ve liked.

Visible tension slowly seeped out of his shoulders as he watched me handle the bag, especially when it got closer to him.

“It’s been a pleasure.” With the natural gruffness of his voice, I couldn’t tell if he was serious, but he grabbed the pouch and stuffed it into one of his jacket pockets, took his last shot from the table, then began to scoot out of our booth.

“Really?” I squeaked, showing my nervousness. I cleared my throat, then continued. “You’re not at all curious as to my next job for you?”

Standing next to the table, he turned back to me and said, “Two jobs in a row from the same person grows suspicion. Easier to track you through me, or me through you. Unless,” pointing at the contract, “it’s in the initial agreement.” With that, he turned to leave.

“Fair enough,” I piped up, scrambling to follow him, “but I really think you should at least consider my offer.” I paused, realizing the scene I was causing. Glancing around, I confirmed my suspicions, feeling the stares of others. Realizing it’d be best to discuss this without an audience, I did my best huff, adjusted my jacket, and added, “my offer of splitting the bill for the drinks.” Pretty sure no one bought it.

The assassin didn’t miss a beat, striding leisurely outside. Sighing, I made my way to settle the tab: both of our tabs. Trudging outside, I paused when I noticed my former business partner on a branch, leaning against the trunk, using a knife to clean the dirt from under his nails.

“Look down, don’t notice me.” It took me a startled second, but I lowered my head, suddenly very interested in my laces.

“Let’s say I was interested in your next offer. Talk.”

Smiling, I responded with a question. “What do you know of the target from our previous arrangement”

“Only what you told me.”

“Well,” I shifted my footing, feeling more confident at this point, “let’s just say the king is looking for a new assassin now.”

Stifling a laugh from hearing him curse, I dared a look up to see some blood on his hand, his eyes wide. Clearly this news shocked him, as he knew I was a nobleman, but not who I worked for.

“So, what do you say?”

Swinging down, he landed with an outstretched hand. Shaking it, I smiled: “Good.”